Tipsheet: 2026 Long Branch Stakes

A total of six three-year-olds will go two turns on the Monmouth Park dirt in Sunday’s $100,000 Long Branch S. 

Long Branch Stakes Picks

• #6 Hedge Ratio
• #5 Bricklin
• #4 Red Zone Runner

Long Branch Stakes Wagers

• $30 win #6 Hedge Ratio
• $5 trifecta key 6 with 4,5

Long Branch Stakes Contenders

#1 STAR SWEEPER: Rock Your World colt gets the rail for his first run at this locale and has faced stakes runners in five of his seven lifetime runs in advance of this. The Louis Linder trainee has improved his Brisnet Speed rating in two straight and also has a nice draw on the fence, but he will need a good leap forward to challenge this field late with Eric Cancel in the irons. 

#2 CLOCKER SPECIAL: One of two from the Brisset shedrow was a game second in an allowance contest at Oaklawn Park in his 2026 debut, but the colt has been subpar in his two races since that performance. The son of Not This Time has speed on a course that often plays well to his running style, but others have more appeal in this particular contest. 

#3 NOBLE HERITAGE: Tapit gelding showed big improvement in his first try since moving to the barn of Jorge Delgado, when third in a maiden run at Gulfstream Park most recently. The $32,000 March purchase lands in a fairly moderate spot for his stakes bow, but the gelding would still be a big surprise in this spot with Jose Gomez in the silks. 

#4 RED ZONE RUNNER: Stakes-winning son of Practical Joke was through in the lane in the Wood Memorial (G2) in his latest outing, but fits well in this cast. The Hugo Padilla charge will endure a more sensible trip while forwardly placed on Sunday, and if he repeats his effort from two back at Parx, then the Keystone State-bred will be in the mix for a top-three finish beneath Mychel Sanchez. 

#5 BRICKLIN: $450,000 son of Nyquist was third in the Sunland Derby two back prior to checking in fourth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his latest showing. The prime win threat has taken a big step forward as a three-year-old and is well drawn in the field with the other early speed to his inside. Talented Kentucky-bred will be the one to run down at the top of the lane with Paco Lopez riding for Brisset.  

#6 HEDGE RATIO: Top pick from the mighty Chad Brown barn was a powerful allowance hero in his second run of the season and seems poised to thrive going two turns for the initial time. The chestnut colt is a nice prospect with a seemingly bright future, and the son of Speightstown will likely sit a fine trip stalking the action from the outside post, as well. Sammy Marin will guide the leading choice.